Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Book Review: Romi & Gang by Tushar Raheja

On the jacket:

Unruly and reckless, thirteen-year-old Romi is the hero of his universe. His great affinity for adventure and the unknown is shared by his gang - the rascal Sukhi, the deadpan Sunny, the naïve Golu and his blood brother, Kim.

When legendary Kim disappears from Mauji, it is left to the four to conquer the maidan with cricket and the world with their wits. Of course, they must prepare for responsibility in between and, one day, go after Kim.

'A piquant tale of chasing your dreams and a reminder that there is some innocence left in everyone. It is a must read for all!'- The Hindu

Review:

If I had to say one line about Romi & Gang, it would be that, "It took me back to my childhood."

You know how a lot of us who write, scribble or blog, our writing at times shows traces of influences books, authors and characters we adore. Romi & Gang shows traces of Blyton's Five Find Outers. When I say influence, in this case, I do not mean inspired from or copied from. What is similar is the feel the reader gets. Romi and his friends remind one of young George and her cousins and their adventures.

Coming back to the story, very well spun, no repetitions, no exaggerations, no trying-too-hard, just a plain and simple story about a group of adventurous children. A book that will keep you smiling while you read. A story about friendship and cricket, there, aren't you already sold to it? Crisp editing, and wait, there is more - awesome illustrations! The cover pic had me gazing at it for a while, smiling ruefully and wondering what the story would be.

A simple story, a story your children will love. And if you are an adult who has grown up on Blyton's adventure books, you might love this too. A simple, no hassle book.

Rating: ****/5

[This review is for Pirates. The opinions are strictly my own and not been written under any obligation.]